Everything You Need to Know Before Coming to Florence
Planning a trip to Florence? As a travel planner, I know that visiting Tuscany’s legendary capital can quickly feel overwhelming without a game plan. From navigating crowded cobblestone streets to skipping hours-long lines at world-class museums, proper preparation is the key to unlocking the city’s effortless Renaissance charm.
Whether you are looking to admire Michelangelo’s David or indulge in authentic Tuscan wine and gelato, I gathered my experience and everything I learned working in tourism in Florence to help you beat the crowds, save time, and enjoy a seamless, stress-free Italian getaway.
How to Get There
Flying
Florence Airport (FLR): Take the Tramvia directly to the city center, it takes about 20 minutes to arrive at the main station, Santa Maria Novella. Tickets can be purchased at the machines outside, or you can tap your card directly at the validator inside (one card per person).
**Be aware of scammers trying to sell printed tickets near or inside the tram.
Pisa International Airport (PSA): Take the airport shuttle/train to Pisa’s city center, then catch a regional train directly to Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station (around 1 hour).
Train
Fast and regional trains are available from Milan, Rome, and many other cities across Italy to its main station, Santa Maria Novella. When booking with Trenitalia, be aware that train strikes are fairly common and in many cases scheduled in advance (you can search for "sciopero treno" to check for upcoming strikes). I recommend traveling with Italo, as it doesn't always participate in every strike, and its app is very intuitive and easy to use.
Florence is also served by Campo di Marte. Although it's slightly outside the main hub, it's well-connected to Santa Maria Novella by quick regional trains.
Bus
Several companies offer long-distance buses to Florence. Drop-off points are either at Villa Costanza (which is directly connected to the Tramvia) or Piazzale Montelungo (located right in the city center).
Car
A car is very useful for exploring the surrounding Tuscan countryside, but driving inside the city is a headache. Be aware of the ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) areas where only authorized vehicles can enter, marked by cameras that issue steep fines.
Parking garages and some hotels located inside the city center can register your license plate to grant access and prevent ZTL fines. However, they cannot cancel fines incurred from driving in bus/taxi lanes or pedestrian-only zones.
**Pro tip: Use Google Maps as it shows ZTL zones as red dashed areas and informs you if the route passes through any.
Best Season to Visit
Fall
Definitely the perfect time! The weather is still warm early in the season, local restaurants reopen after their August break, and there are plenty of events to attend. It also coincides with the grape harvest (vendemmia), making it ideal for wine tours. September is slowly becoming the new high season with larger crowds, but late fall is much quieter.
Winter
Winter isn't overly cold, though you may get some rainy days. The city is much quieter, and while there are fewer tours and organized activities, it’s still a very charming season, especially with the Christmas markets in Florence and nearby villages. This is the best time for a more authentic, local experience.
Spring
Perfect walking weather arrives as temperatures rise and city gardens bloom. It’s an ideal season for outdoor dining and local festivals. Crowds start arriving around Easter and build steadily right into summer.
Summer
Summer requires extra planning due to the extreme heat, which changes how you get around and plan outdoor activities. Many Florentines leave the city during the hottest months. Since Florence is best explored on foot, prioritize early morning or late evening activities, and ensure your accommodation has good A/C. There are plenty of summer events, and recently, crowd levels seem slightly lower than in past years (though it is still very much high season).
How many days should I stay?
To experience Florence to the fullest, I'd recommend staying three days. As the cradle of the Renaissance, Florence is filled with history, and the city itself is an open-air museum that truly lives up to its reputation.
If you are short on time, Florence is extremely walkable, with main attractions clustered close together. In a single day, you can easily cover the city's highlights: the Duomo, the Uffizi, the Accademia, Ponte Vecchio, and a sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo.
Important planning tips:
Long Lines: Museum queues can swallow up a huge chunk of your day even with advance tickets, so build in extra buffer time.
Monday Closures: Most major museums are closed on Mondays.
Sunday Duomo Schedule: The Duomo hosts Mass on Sundays, meaning tours and general sightseeing visits are restricted.
**Pro tip: If possible, avoid visiting the museums on Tuesdays, as they tend to be busier than other days due to pent-up demand. The first Sunday of each month is also especially busy, as admission to many museums is free.
That said, the real charm of Florence lies beyond the busy city center. Take time to wander through its neighborhoods, stop for an aperitivo, enjoy long dinners, browse the Sunday markets, and discover the masterpieces tucked away inside historic palaces and hidden churches. Don't miss a stroll through Santo Spirito, a visit to Fiesole for panoramic views, the Church of Ognissanti, and the Basilica di San Marco.
Where Should I Stay?
For maximum convenience and easy walking access to top attractions, the historic center (Centro Storico) is your best option. However, keep in mind that it can get very busy and noisy.
For a Quieter Stay: If you prefer a more peaceful atmosphere without being too far away, look around the Santa Croce, Sant'Ambrogio and Santo Spirito neighborhoods, just try not to venture much farther out than these areas.
Planning Arrival: Always check how to get to your accommodation in advance to avoid surprises. Taking a taxi upon arrival is usually your best option. Uber doesn't really work well here, so for taxis, call/use local operators like 4242, 4390, or official apps (like appTaxi). Note that taxi fares in Florence are generally higher than in other major Italian capitals.
Areas to Avoid:
Santa Maria Novella: Particularly the immediate streets around the train station, which can get sketchy at night.
Piazza della Repubblica: While central, certain surrounding alleyways and spots can feel unsafe late in the evening.
What to Eat & Drink
I highly recommend making restaurant reservations in Florence, especially for dinner. Most restaurants close in the afternoon, typically between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., so keep this in mind when planning your itinerary.
You'll also notice a “coperto” on your bill. This is a standard cover charge that pays for the table setting, bread, and service essentials. Tipping isn't part of Italian dining culture, but it's always appreciated for exceptional service.
You can’t leave Florence without trying:
Bistecca alla Fiorentina: The city's famous, thick T-bone steak, traditionally served rare (or almost raw).
Pappardelle al Cinghiale: Fresh ribbon pasta tossed in a rich wild boar ragù, a regional favorite.
Schiacciata Sandwiches: Stuffed Tuscan flatbread sandwiches loaded with local cured meats and cheeses.
Lampredotto: The legendary Florentine street food sandwich made from cow's stomach (you either love it or hate it).
Chianti Wines: Tuscan red wine produced right in the region, perfect for pairing with local meats.
Negroni: The classic cocktail originally invented right here in Florence!
Cantucci with Vin Santo: For dessert, traditional almond biscotti dipped in sweet Tuscan dessert wine.
Common Scams & Safety Tips
Because Florence is compact and densely packed with visitors, it experiences high rates of petty crime. Staying aware of your surroundings will help you avoid these common traps:
1. Pickpocketing
The Risk: Pickpockets target crowded streets, busy plazas, and packed public transport (buses and trams at peak hours are their prime targets).
How to Protect Yourself: Keep your phone, wallet, and valuables secure. Avoid keeping phones in your back pocket, and keep fanny packs or crossbody bags zipped up in front of you—especially near Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, and the train station.
2. The Shell / "Magic Cups" Game
How It Works: You’ll see a street performer shuffling a ball under three cups. It looks easy to win, and "spectators" around the game will start winning cash to tempt you into betting.
The Catch: The "winners" are accomplices working together. They will lure you in, encourage you to place higher and higher bets, and ultimately take your money. The house always wins.
3. Art on the Floor
How It Works: Individuals lay cheap printed "paintings" flat on the pavement in high-foot-traffic areas. If you accidentally step on one, they may confront you and insist that you pay for the "damaged" artwork.
The Catch: They intentionally place them where you're likely to step on them, and they carry white oil pastels/crayons to touch up any footprints afterward.
4. Fake Leather Goods
The Trap: Well over half of the leather goods sold in tourist stalls around the city center are fake or imported low-quality synthetic leather.
Tip: Do your research before buying leather items. If you are looking for authentic Tuscan leather, buy from established local shops or recognized artisan workshops rather than outdoor street markets.
5. Skip-the-line tickets
The Reality: Many visitors buy "skip-the-line" tickets through third-party platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator expecting to bypass all queues. In reality, these tickets only skip the ticket purchase line BUT you still have to wait in the main security line, which is usually where the longest wait occurs.
Meeting Points & Logistics: If you book through a third-party agency, you'll usually need to meet a representative to collect your tickets. Keep in mind that the meeting point isn't always at the museum entrance; sometimes it's a few streets away. Agencies also tend to leave after a short grace period (often around 15 minutes), so make sure you know exactly where to go and arrive on time.
**Tip: Whenever possible, book directly through official museum websites to avoid unnecessary stress and confusion.
Florence is a magical city, and with a little preparation, your trip will be unforgettable. Did I leave out any of your personal favorite travel tips? Drop them in the comments! If you're ready to take the stress out of vacation planning altogether, get in touch with me today. As a professional travel planner, I’ll handle all the details so you can simply arrive and enjoy the best Tuscany has to offer.
Amazing! 🤩